Response:  Generally, I think the passage that gives the best direction for us on the use of alcohol is Romans 13-14, specifically 13:8, 13:10, 13:13, 14:1-23. Other passages that you should consider are: Proverbs 20:1; 21:17; 23:20-21; 23:29-35; 31:4-7 (I think this one is particularly interesting); Hosea 4:11; Galatians 5:21; Eph 5:18; 1Thess 5:7; John 2:1-10 (verse 10 is especially; noteworthy - Christ didn't just make wine, but made excellent, enjoyable wine); Colossians 2:20-23; 1 Timothy 4:1-5; 5:23.

Some clear principles drawn from the passages above: 1) Drunkenness is clearly wrong (i.e. a sin) and causes great suffering and other evils. The primary issue here seems to be, not drink itself, but the abuse of a good thing - excessive drink, slavery to drink, lack of self control.

2) The use of alcohol is not absolutely forbidden in Scripture. Jesus created wine for the wedding at Cana; Paul instructs Timothy to "take a little wine for his stomach's sake" and says that all things are to be enjoyed as gifts from God (1 Timothy 4:4). Maybe a helpful question in personal application - "Can you thank God for His good gifts while enjoying beer or wine?" If so - enjoy with a clear conscience. If not - perhaps the Spirit is leading you to avoid drinking for other reasons (see below). By the way, I believe it is very clear that "wine" in the Bible was fermented (alcoholic). I see no basis for the opposite position except wishful thinking on the part of those who believe abstinence is the only "right" position.

3) Regarding the moderate use of alcohol - This is certainly a matter of individual conscience. We should not look down upon other believers who use alcohol (thinking of ourselves as more spiritual or pure); nor should we look down upon other believers who do not use alcohol (thinking of ourselves as more mature and stronger, as enjoying greater "freedom" in God's grace). We should not try “bind” someone else’s conscience on this issue (i.e. You are sinning if you do or sinning if you don't). We should use good sense, the wisdom that God has given us, and prayerfully seek God's leading in our personal practice. Two points that Scripture urges us to consider: a) If there is danger of alcohol clouding my judgment and preventing me from fulfilling particular responsibilities, I should not drink (Proverbs 31:4-7). For example, I should not drink when I go to my job as a bus driver, or pharmacist, etc. because a lapse in judgment could hurt others. b) If my personal history or history of those around me is such that using alcohol might cause me or others to relapse into drunkenness - the best practice is abstinence. This recognizes that "not one of us lives to himself or dies to himself" (Romans 14:7), that we are not to put a stumbling block in another’s way (Romans 14:13) and that a good thing can become evil and do harm if it is not used in love (Romans 14:15, 20). This certainly applies to the example you set for your wife and children. If you, your wife or your children have a tendency toward drunkenness or alcoholism, the only loving example is one of abstinence. Otherwise, it seems to me that you could provide an example of biblical self-control either through abstinence or through the moderate use of alcohol.

With regard to your personal practice, I would encourage you to: 1) Read these passages, pray for God's direction and act in good conscience before God. - Romans 14:23 "Whatever is not of faith is sin." 2) Whichever route you take - abstinence or moderation - think out your position well enough to give a reasoned explanation of it. 3) Whatever route God's leads you to, I don't think I would try to make this a "household law,” especially if your wife differs in her opinion or approach. Be gracious, accepting - realizing that "my personal convictions" are simply that and can't be forced on others without causing damage - this is one of the major points in Romans 14. 4) Whichever approach you take - strive to be consistent in all areas of your life - give the same explanation to your kids that your give to your friends and neighbors, that you give to your wife, and that you hold before God. Of course, there may still be times when, if you practice use in moderation, you should choose to abstain in the presence of a friend or Christian brother who has struggled with alcoholism. Conversely, if you choose abstinence as a general practice, you may choose in a particular situation (i.e., a toast at a wedding reception or other celebration; you're a guest in a friend's home and they "assume" you drink and serve you wine) to partake rather than make a scene or offend. The governing principle here is love for others.

Hope this is of some help. Be glad to talk sometime if that would help further.

Rick Lum